Scientific Name
Aloidendron tongaense 'Medusa'
Common Names
Mozambique Tree Aloe
Synonyms
Aloe tongaensis 'Medusa', Aloe 'Medusa', Aloe barberae 'Medusa', Aloe bainesii 'Medusa'
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Aloidendron
Description
Aloidendron tongaense 'Medusa', formerly known as Aloe tongaensis 'Medusa', is a medium-sized tree with heavy branching stems. It slowly grows up to 12 feet (3.6 m) tall. Leaves are pale green but often take on an orange hue, thin, recurved, and up to 18 inches (45 cm) long. In late fall to early winter, a stout flowering stem that rises above the foliage up to 2 feet (60 cm) before branching. Each upright branch bears compact rounded clusters of pale orange buds that open to a pale salmon color.
Photo via gardenweb.com
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Aloe is a very forgiving plant, and a well-grown plant can be quite beautiful. As with all succulents, Aloe must never be allowed to sit in stagnant water, and the plant should be carefully monitored to watch for signs of overwatering.
These succulents are not particularly fast-growing and will only rarely need repotting. In the spring, repot Aloes in the spring tipping over their pots or have ceased growing. Use a fast-draining potting mix with one-third sand or pebbles. During repotting of a larger plant, it is possible to carefully divide the root ball. Some varieties of Aloe will send off offsets that can be potted independently.
Aloe plants need strong, bright light. They can withstand full summer sun once acclimated. In the winter, provide bright light. It prefers warmer temperatures of 70 to 80 °F (21 to 27 °C) but will survive down to 40 °F (4.5 °C). Feed with a succulent fertilizer in the summer only. Suspend feeding in the winter as the plant goes dormant.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.
Origin
Aloidendron tongaense 'Medusa' is a cultivar of Aloidendron tongaense.
Links
- Back to genus Aloidendron
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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